Evidence-Based Classroom Strategies for ADHD Students

Supporting students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the classroom can be both rewarding and challenging. With the right strategies, educators can help students with ADHD thrive in the classroom, avoiding the behavioural and learning issues that may arise.

This guide provides you with plenty of practical advice for working with students with ADHD in the classroom. Informed by expert research and our own experience as classroom practitioners, these strategies will help you to meet the unique needs of your students and make learning a positive and successful experience.

1. Establish Clear Routines and Expectations

Consistency helps students with ADHD anticipate what comes next during lessons. This reduces their anxiety and improves focus. Stick to a structured daily routine with clear rules and consequences in your classroom. This provides a necessary framework for ADHD students to succeed.

Tip: Display a classroom code of conduct so students know exactly what you are expecting from them while in your class. 

2. Provide Clear and Concise Instructions

Students with ADHD benefit from simple, step-by-step directions which they can follow without becoming distracted. Taking time to check that students have a proper understanding of the instructions for a task will help to ensure they stay on track.

Tip: Use visual aids or written prompts to back up verbal guidance. Leave these directions displayed during a task for students to refer back to if needed.

3. Break Lessons into Manageable Steps

Large tasks can feel overwhelming to students with ADHD. Breaking work up into smaller chunks helps them to stay on task and reduces the risk of frustration and loss of motivation.

Tip: Use checklists or task cards to break down each task. Recognising each step builds confidence and helps students sustain focus.

4. Minimise Classroom Distractions

A cluttered or noisy environment can make it harder for ADHD learners to concentrate. A calm, organised classroom reduces sensory overload and helps students to focus. 

Tip: Seat students away from known distractions, such as windows, doors, or chatty classmates. If practical, use barriers or seat students alone during independent work.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Frequent praise and encouragement can help students with ADHD build self-esteem. It reinforces desirable behaviour and helps to build a sense of success and motivation.

Tip: Be specific with praise. For example, use statements such as “You kept great focus during that task”. Visual reward charts can help to reinforce desired behaviour.

6. Allow Flexible Seating Options 

Students with ADHD may struggle to sit still or stay focused in a traditional seating arrangement. Offering options like standing desks, wobble cushions, or discreet fidget tools can help students with ADHD remain engaged without disrupting others. 

Every student is individual, points out primary school SENCO Claire Yates, who highlights the example of one student for whom a range of strategies has proved successful: “One of our students with an ADHD diagnosis uses resistance bands on his chair and constantly rocks. This child has a ‘doodle book’; he is a talented artist and finds it easier to concentrate when constantly drawing.”

Tip: Offer students a variety of seating arrangements and options for learning, and allow them to choose what works best for them.

7. Incorporate Regular Movement Breaks

Allowing short, scheduled breaks for physical activity can help students with ADHD release excess energy and return to their tasks with improved focus.

Claire Yates encourages the use of drinking water during this time: “We encourage this for all students, but for those with ADHD it is particularly important. Hydration aids focus, and having a sip of water also acts as a little sensory break.”

Tip: Include a moment for activities such as stretching, brief walks, or classroom exercises in your lesson planning between activities. 

8. Encourage Peer Support and Collaboration

Structured group activities and peer mentoring can provide social interaction opportunities for ADHD students and allow them to model appropriate behaviours. 

Tip: Clearly define the rules and structure of collaborative tasks to ensure active participation and minimise potential conflicts.

9. Encourage Self-Monitoring Techniques

Helping students with ADHD to recognise their own behaviours and triggers promotes self-regulation. Techniques like self-assessment checklists or mindfulness practices can be effective strategies.

Tip: Introduce journals or reflection periods to enable students to evaluate their focus and behaviour.

10. Foster Strong Home-School Communication

Regular updates between teachers and parents help reinforce strategies and enable areas of concern to be addressed promptly. Consistency across environments is very helpful for a student with ADHD.

Tip: Use the school’s communication platforms to maintain ongoing dialogue with families.

Implementing these strategies can create a supportive and effective learning environment that addresses the unique needs of students with ADHD, promoting their academic success and well-being. Consistency is key to helping young learners thrive.

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References

Teaching and Managing Students with ADHD

Neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism) - A guide for teachers

Classroom Interventions for Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder Considerations Packet

Interview with Claire Yates, SENCO, Springwood Heath Primary School, Liverpool